Tricorn trees chopped but not Vicarage trees yet

I was disappointed to see the loss of trees at Tricorn House just before Christmas and followed up with the Parish as to why...

Photo: Above - Tricorn House with the trees in front of it cut down and below with trees helping to conceal the monster

...the Parish presume the owners cut them down and that the trees were not protected - very sad as they hid and softened part of the building - but perhaps it is a good sign that things are moving on that site - scroll down to blog entry on 21st December re the hopes of Ecotricity to purshase the site?

For all too long local residents have seen this empty building as a blight - most I met when I was interviewing residents for their Parish Plan wanted it torn down and removed - others were happy to see it occupied and the facade to be changed. Recently however I met someone who was a 'fan' of the building and its architecture - in mentioning this to someone else I found they too were a fan - are there others out there? Does this building really have any merit?

Vicarage trees

Anyhow while on trees I also followed up on a resident who reports trees cut down at Vicarage - however it seems from my look and words with the Parish that they have not been chopped - scroll down to my blog on 17th December 2007 for background info on this.

There has apparently been a second application regarding the Vicarage trees, which include replanting with silver birches - the Parish have opposed - It's on the SDC website S.07/2516 - see it here.

Controversy over Vicarage trees

Apparently several local residents and the developer have agreed that the two Beech trees will be felled, and replaced with two large container grown Birch trees at the Old Vicarage site, the Chase, Cashes Green. Cainscross Parish disagrees.

The developers may have gained the consent of the immediate neighbours who may also be affected by these mature trees, but the Parish Council rightly see these trees as bringing far more to the wider community. Indeed they were cited by the original applicant, the diocese, as the major reason for demolition of the vicarage.

One commented: "The fact that TPOs exist on these trees is not a happenstance or an inconvenience. In these very particular circumstances the development had every opportunity to be managed and planned around the trees. In this instance the trees were most certainly there throughout. If a development is granted permission taking into account the positioning of the houses in relation to the existing trees, how can a new application to fell some of those trees be approved immediately afterwards when the development is still under construction?

"Any compromising of these trees now would indicate inconsistency from the planning authority. We would have to question whether there was an error in the planning and approval of the scheme as it stands, or whether the system is open to manipulation by developers. This is not the first time we have questioned the construction of new houses in close proximity to existing mature trees and would cite the recent example of an application for tree surgery to the large deciduous oak tree on the Ebley Wharf phase 2 development, which has ruined the setting of this wonderful unique tree in full view of Ebley Mill."

This latest move does seem strange especially when the diocese had sited these trees previously - indeed the trees were considered to be of higher valuable than the historically interesting vicarage building. To now apply for permission to fell and reduce trees because ‘they dominate the garden’ and are ‘unsuitable for retention so close to the house’ is unacceptable.

I understand that the Parish have not withdrawn their objection so it may have to go to the Development Control Committee. I have written seeking more information. See also previous blogs re this development.

DCC: Aston Down plans rejected and Cashes Green Vicarage threatened

Today at Development Control Committee I had to note an interest on the planning application re Aston Down airfield near Minchinhampton. I was commissioned by Cllr. Sarah Lunnon to look at the site in 2004. This led to much research and a 20-page report: "Aston Down: Sustainable Development Or Traffic Chaos?" (August 2004). Since then I have continued to take a strong interest in the site.

Photo: Aston entrance

It seems a pity that I could not participate in the discussions or vote as I have looked at the site in much detail - however as I have expressed views, like that enforcement should take place on the businesses on the site, this could be viewed that I do not have an open mind.....even though all those comments were made prior to being a councillor and on the basis of research that has been backed up by what the Officers are recommending in their report.

Their are many serious issues that, in my view, make this site unsuitable for the development proposed. Furthermore I am convinced that enforcement action on the unauthorised uses on the base is long overdue: the site remains a breach in planning control. I am pleased to report the committee voted for refusal of development and for enforcement - but only on the casting vote of the Chair......this seems extraodinary to me as there were so many clear planning reasons why this development should not go-ahead - in my view there was no alternative but to accept the officers recommendations.

Having said all that I am not opposed to all development on the site - there is no reason why some would not be suitable, but we must consider what is sutainable.....

Photo left: Vicarage in days gone by and photo below is of the carved concrete ship above the door.

Other planning issues today included the Vicarage in Cashes Green - planning permission had already been given to pull this building down and build houses on the site - Listed building status was considered in the past but the building didn't meet the criteria - apparently the Diocese who own the site are still looking at possibly saving the building although they didn't withdraw their plans for houses on the site today which included demolition of the Vicarage - if they don't act to save it they may need some more community action and letters to save the site - have even heard some talk of a sit in - similar to the tree sits that saved those trees outside Tesco.

Campaigners to save the building say this is one of the only old and slightly more interesting buildings in the area - they want to see it saved. Their view was supported by the Parish Council and some 30 people who turned up to a recent meeting.

The SDC website should have the webcast on soon so you'll be able to catch the other items - as usual I managed to raise Sustainable Urban Drainage as an issue on 3 or 4 applications.